All Saints awarded Cum Laude charter

Published 5:20 am Saturday, December 14, 2024

All Saints Episcopal School in Tyler has recently been awarded a charter in the Cum Laude Society.

Founded in 1906, the Cum Laude Society is dedicated to honoring academic achievement in secondary schools. Membership is predominantly in the United States, but chapters are also in England, France, Canada, Spain, and several other countries. There are only 382 chapters; approximately two dozen are in public schools, and the rest in independent schools.

“This represents a crowning achievement for All Saints,” said Head of School Dr. Mark Desjardins. “We are one of the youngest schools to gain membership, not only in Texas but throughout the United States. The organization values and prioritizes a longstanding commitment to academic achievement as recognized by such factors as college placement, Advanced Placement scores, SAT and ACT scores, and the rigor and depth of the high school curriculum.”

The goal of the Cum Laude Society is to reward those students who display the highest level of academic achievement while remaining tethered to the values of honor and justice. Selection is limited to 10 percent of the junior class and 20 percent of the senior class, elected over two years, based on students’ high academic standing and rigorous course loads. Selected students also demonstrate good character, honor, and integrity in all aspects of school life.

All Saints is proud to join only 12 other Texas private schools that have been awarded charters in the Cum Laude Society.

“I am grateful to our Director of College Advising, Brian Motto, who helped guide us through the maze of paperwork for our membership application,” Desjardins added. “Without his timely support, we would have had a harder time presenting our case.”

In addition, Desjardins offered his appreciation to JP Culley, Head of School of Holland Hall in Tulsa, Oklahoma, who served as the Chair of the membership process.

All Saints will induct its first class of Cum Laude Society members this coming spring. We are proud to offer our students this additional opportunity for academic recognition alongside the National Honor Society, which will continue to induct new members from All Saints Episcopal School.